Enormous ice sheets, glaciers and icebergs cover the northernmost reaches of our planet. Though these areas are remote and lightly populated, they are home to some of Earth’s most valuable natural resources. Warming worldwide temperatures and trapped greenhouse gases melt Arctic ice rapidly, causing a dramatic rise in sea levels. As you and other ecological activists do everything you can to stop climate change, geoengineers are leveraging technology to save the Arctic in real time.

What Is Geoengineering and Its Impact on Preserving Ice?

Unpacking the power of geoengineering requires context on the current state of the world’s Arctic ice.

Shrinking Ice Cover

Arctic sea ice is rapidly disappearing, which will continue as anthropogenic climate change pushes the boundaries of global temperature increases. Experts have observed and modeled the ice caps melting for four decades. Every 10 years, reports prove sea ice extent and area are lowering, which represents the ice’s concentration and spread.

These fading ice sheets and structures are one of the most visible markers of the climate crisis. Summer Arctic ice shrinks at a rate of 12.2% each decade, as satellites continually show its movement and depletion.

Geoengineering Meaning in Context

Geoengineering is a study that uses technology to improve our planet. Many of these experts leverage next-generation equipment to fight climate change and, subsequently, Arctic ice melting. 

Scientists are trying to manufacture ways to save the Arctic from degrading and melting. These Arctic ice projects will supplement the rest of the globe’s efforts to fight their extinction primarily by reducing the strength of the sun’s radiative power. Taking inspiration from other industries, like white roofs in construction, demonstrates how geoengineers can lower solar gain on vulnerable surfaces.

Technology’s Influence on Conservation

As climate awareness deepens, more consumers have realized the need for natural and technological solutions to protect Mother Nature. Around 80% of people say they are willing to change their lifestyles to shrink their carbon footprints. These are meaningful shifts, yet there is still more to do.

Geoengineers must be some of the most prominent voices in environmentalism to normalize manufactured solutions, which potentially provide as much value as natural restoration and emissions-reduction initiatives. Ideally, they can slow the rate of change to buy enough time for the climate to rebalance itself.

Arctic Geoengineering in Action

Few Arctic ice projects have progressed past the idea stage into implementation. However, these are some of the most groundbreaking efforts to save the Arctic and stop it from fading from our collective memory.

Ground Reinforcement With Artificial Islands

Implementing a comprehensive evaluation protocol can ensure emerging threats are reduced, which also makes financial sense and preserves structural integrity. Geotechnical engineers discover compromises in fixtures, like retaining walls, by looking for bulges and displacement. Experts rehabilitate them by supplementing these structures with compacted backfill materials, preventing further damage.

Inspired by a similar philosophy, conservationists have attempted to target ice shelf collapse by crafting artificial islands to help the Arctic float more successfully. They stabilize sheets for the long term and permit experts to target the most endangered areas with localized solutions.

Berms in the Bay

As the Arctic melts, prolonged aggravation of the ice particles makes it erode faster. Human-made berms prevent sheets from retreating — scientists have already used this technology elsewhere on the planet. Therefore, it would be a low-effort mechanism to invest in. It can also block warm water from melting the sheet from underneath. Experts must prioritize protecting local wildlife upon installation to make it a viable aid.

Seawater Pumping

In theory, adding more substance to Arctic ice sheets would reinforce them. Some scientists tried applying this simple idea to manually thicken glacial and polar ice. 

The added salt artificially makes the ice more reflective, which blocks the water from warming. To do this, researchers propel 1,000 liters of saltwater per minute over the ice through a naturally formed hole.

Solar Radiation Modification or Manipulation

You have likely seen photos of Arctic regions blanketed by a halo of sunlight. While it is beautiful, the light refraction combined with the ice’s reflective properties, or albedo, warms the area. Some innovators have suggested finding ways to make clouds more reflective to minimize how much the ice must push back — one of many solar manipulation tactics.

Many question these projects’ viability, but they can manifest in numerous forms.

• Marine cloud brightening: Putting aerosol particles in low clouds via boats.
• Cirrus cloud thinning: Cutting the life span of troposphere clouds with ice to boost cooling effects.
• Stratospheric aerosol injection: Placing aerosol particles in higher clouds via planes to bounce light into space.

While solar geoengineering methods are subject to debate, that hasn’t prevented some startups from conducting studies anyway. 

Criticisms Against Geoengineering to Tackle Arctic Ice Melting

What should be your higher priority — support geoengineering, meaning funding novel technologies, or reducing carbon emissions? Many believe the latter is a more attainable default, as developing scalable equipment could take decades. 

Imagine if previous generations had focused their efforts on climate actions, like expanding renewable energy use and electrifying transportation. These would have delivered more immediate wins and slashed greenhouse gases by tackling the world’s most pressing concerns. 

Others wonder if focusing on geoengineering projects would divert attention from establishing meaningful climate policy. Many compare this to how carbon-capture projects give fossil fuel companies grace instead of incentivizing them to move to green power.

However, collaboration solves all these concerns. Climate remediation efforts and saving the Arctic can happen from multiple angles, including sociopolitical and geoengineering. Shared values drive success, safely combating melting ice while considering short- and long-term ecological side effects.

Keeping the Cold Alive for Future Generations

While many people go their whole lives without witnessing the Arctic’s majesty up close and in person, its preservation remains vital for the planet. Preventing further polar ice melting is essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change and advancing environmental advocacy. As a dedicated environmental activist, you hold the power to inspire and educate communities about innovative, impactful strategies to protect the Arctic ice. By supporting conservation efforts and spreading awareness, we can collectively safeguard this fragile ecosystem for future generations.